The guys who will exceed your expectations and turn late round picks into fantasy gems.

C—J.R. Towles, HOU—Towles logged some pretty impressive numbers for a catcher during his short stay in the minor leagues, including a .317 average with 12 jacks, 55 ribbies, and 13 steals in just 81 games in 2006. Towles needs to surpass 125-year veteran Brad Ausmus on the depth chart, which shouldn’t be too difficult, as Ausmus hasn’t topped a .260 batting average or six homers in seven years. If he is given the chance to get a full-time job behind the plate in Houston, this rookie could log some Russell Martin-like numbers.

1B—Ryan Garko, CLE—Although Cleveland seems to want to experiment with their first baseman (Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner), it is obvious that their best option is Garko. Given the lion’s share of the starts at first in ’07, Garko did more than hold his own. He hit a respectable .289 with 21 HRs and 61 RBI in 138 games. He is at that magical fantasy age of 27, and in that potent Indians lineup, the stars are aligned for Garko to take that next step up in product to the 25-30 HR, 80-95 RBI level.

2B—Jayson Nix, COL—There is a big audition going on at second base in Colorado between Nix, Ian Stewart, Clint Barmes, and Marcus Giles. Based on his defense (and the endorsement of SS Troy Tulowitzki), it appears that as of now Nix has the leg up on his competition. However, if you look at his minor league numbers, offensively Nix is no slouch. In 124 games at AAA Colorado Springs last season, Nix hit .292 with 11 HRs, 58 RBI, and 24 steals. If he wins the job, and can come close to duplicating those numbers over a full season, you could have a steal in the last couple rounds.

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These are the guys who had very solid campaigns in 2007, who will take the next step and join the elite during 2008. You won’t have to draft these guys in the first two rounds of your draft, but you should expect 1st to 2nd round performance from them.

BJ Upton, 2B/CF—TB—Upton will be playing centerfield for the Rays, but in many of your leagues he will still qualify at 2B, based on the 48 games he played there last season. He struggled when given his first chance in the big leagues in 2006, but last year he started to realize all that potential we have been reading about for years. Although he played only 129 games, Upton went 20-20 and even hit .300. Still only 23, this is the year Upton will take his numbers even higher. Expect Upton to remain close to his same average and his power numbers to increase to near 30. It is his stolen base numbers that are going to rise sharply. In the minors Upton stole 40+ bases on two separate occasions, both while playing less than a full season. Realistic expectations for BJ this season are .285/27/90/55 steals, but he still needs to cut down on the strikeouts.

Curtis Granderson, CF—DET—Granderson was one of the most improved players in the league, when he joined exclusive company in 2007, the 20 double, 20 triple, 20 HR, 20 steal club, which has only four members. Granderson is another young hitter who can take his numbers to the stratosphere if he can improve his eye at the plate some. He has struck out over 300 times in the past two seasons, however, you still can’t ignore his other impressive numbers. Based on his minor league numbers and the way his numbers have progressed, you can expect another huge years from the Tigers centerfielder. He will help you in every single fantasy category, scoring 100+ runs, 200 hits, 25-30 HRs, 85 RBI, and 30-35 steals in a potent Tigers offense.

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1. Evan Longoria, TB—3B—Let’s get the funny stuff out of the way quick. Ha, ha, his name is really close to Eva Longoria. Ok, now that is over, Longoria is going to be a real stud. Even though publicly they state different, the Rays have paved the way for him to take over the starting third base job this season. Barring a complete collapse during the spring, Evan will be manning the hot corner in Tampa this year. He had an impressive two-year run through the Rays minor league system, finishing with a 26 HR, 95 RBI season between AA and AAA in 2007. Longoria also hits for a pretty good average, however, doesn’t really steal bases. He is one prospect that can definitely help your fantasy team this season, worth a pick in the middle to late rounds.

2. Clay Buchholz, BOS—SP—One of the next really special pitchers to come to the majors, Buchholz showed the world what he was capable of when he no hit the Orioles in just his second minor league start. Buchholz has a tremendous fastball to go with a knee-buckling change and a nasty curve. With Curt Schilling’s future in question due to injury, Clay should be a part of the Red Sox five-man rotation for at least the first half of the year, and if he performs like he’s capable of, he will be a staple at the top of the rotation for years to come. Buchholz definitely projects as a number one type starter, and if you are in a keeper league and he is still available, do yourself a favor and grab him quickly.

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1. Jay Bruce—CIN—The crown jewel of the Reds’ minor league system, Bruce has a real shot to open the season in CF for Cincinnati. Bruce made a stop at all three levels of the minors last year, and excelled at each one. For the season he hit roughly .319, 26 HRs and 89 RBI on his way to Minor League Player of the Year. The Reds traded last year’s feel good story Josh Hamilton away for some pitching help seemingly to open up the spot for Bruce in 2008. There have been some rumors floating around that Cincinnati has been in contact with some veterans to take the center field spot, but if they are smart they will allow the future of their franchise to begin now. Keep a watchful eye on this situation.

2. Justin Upton—ARI—Upton has some serious talent. A former number one overall pick, he hit the major leagues at just 19 And although he struggled badly, the Diamondbacks saw enough to trade Carlos Quentin away and hand the RF job to Upton. He hits for average, he hits home runs, he steals bases, he slices, he dices, he does it all. If you are in a keeper league, grab him early because he is a special talent. In year to year leagues, don’t stretch too quickly for him, chances are he won’t reach his enormous potential this year. Expect .300, 20 bombs, 85 RBI, and 35 steals.

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It was a day of “I’m sorry’s” for a couple of pitchers named in the Mitchell Report today.  Andy Pettitte sat in front of a sea of reporters, as well as Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada and poured out an apology.  Pettitte appeared to be quite up front and frank, and answered every question asked of him.  Given his reputation, you can’t help but believe what he says.  Pettitte described himself as stupid and desperate.  He also warned “If you are currently doing anything, after what you see what I’ve been through and what Roger (Clemens) has been through, you better clean yourself up quick.”  In theory, that makes perfect sense, but history has proven that most athletes feel they are invincible and can never be caught. click here for the rest!